The Tribune

BAHAMIANS will participate for the first time in the Venice Art Festival, now in its 55th year, director of education Lionel Sands announced.

He said 40 students from the Sadie Curtis Primary School along with world acclaimed artist, Tavares Strachan, will participate in the Festival in Venice, Italy, from February 6-10.

The director thanked all who made the trip possible, in particular the organisers of the festival, Mr Strachan, and the Ministry of Tourism, and Youth, Sports and Culture.

“This event is a first in many respects for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and for the Bahamas as a nation,” said Mr Sands. “This is the first time that the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has been invited to have a pavilion at this 55-year-old festival, to showcase the beauty and hospitality of our islands to millions of attendees.”

He noted that this is the first time a Bahamian artist and his work have been featured at the festival, and the first time that Bahamian students will appear, their voices providing the backdrop for Mr Strachan’s work during the event.

“With all these firsts, one can come to the conclusion that this is historic,” said the director.

“We in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology are delighted that our students will have this opportunity to represent the Bahamas and show the world the talent and poise which they possess.”